As the aquaculture industry advances technologically and scientifically, understanding who makes up its workforce—and how they engage with it—remains essential to building long-term sustainability and capacity. Since its founding, Minorities In Aquaculture (MIA) has emphasized that workforce data is a cornerstone of industry growth and resilience.
In 2023, MIA conducted its first Aquaculture Workforce Census, collecting demographic, educational, and employment data to capture the current state of aquaculture professionals across the United States. Building on those findings, MIA is expanding its data collection and analysis as part of its 2026 strategic plan, developing a national framework to identify workforce gaps, trends, and future opportunities.
This presentation will share MIA’s evolving approach to workforce data—highlighting how strategic survey design, cross-sector collaboration, and actionable insights can guide policy, training, and recruitment efforts that strengthen the next generation of aquaculture professionals.